Archetypes You will need your journal to take

Archetypes You will need your journal to take notes!

Archetype An archetype is a basic plot, character, image, or idea that recurs in different versions of a story. They are independent of culture and have universal meanings, as well as relate to basic human experiences.

Types of Archetypes Situational: situations that recur in different versions of a story. Example: In all Cinderella stories, the girl is an orphan or stepchild that is mistreated, but is saved by a fairy godmother figure. Symbolic: symbols that recur in different versions of a story. Example: In all creation stories, a “void” or water is the only thing that exists at first, until creation.

Types of Archetypes, cont. Setting: a time, place, or landscape that recurs in different versions of a story. Example: A paradise like the Garden of Eden appears often. Character: character types/personalities that recur in different versions of a story. Example: Most myths and folktales have a good figure that is heroic and an evil figure.

Types of Archetypes, cont. Setting: a time, place, or landscape that recurs in different versions of a story. Example: A paradise like the Garden of Eden appears often. Character: character types/personalities that recur in different versions of a story. Example: Most myths and folktales have a good figure that is heroic and an evil figure.

Situational Archetypes Quest Initiation Fall Death and rebirth Nature vs. mechanical Good vs. evil Unhealable wound Magic weapon

Symbolic Archetypes Light vs. Darkness Water vs. Desert Heaven Fire vs. Hell and Ice Water Sun Colors Numbers

Setting Archetypes The Garden The Underworld The Great Flood The Crossroads The Castle The Wasteland

Character Archetypes Hero Monster Untraditional Earth Heroes Mentor Shadow mother Temptress Damsel in distress Shapeshifter Loyal Sidekick Trickster Outcast Threshold Scapegoat Guardian

HERO The hero sacrifices his own needs on behalf of others. The hero provides a character for us to identify with and is usually the principal POV character in a story, with qualities most readers can (or want to) identify with. The hero “transforms” through her journey as she encounters other archetypes on her journey, whether it is a physical journey or a psychological journey toward “home” (salvation or redemption) through sacrifice. The true mark of the hero is in the act of sacrifice.

UNTRADITIONAL HEROES Anti-hero: Heroes who Loner heroes: These are Group oriented heroes: Catalyst heroes: While don’t fit the traditional hero mold. Outlaws, criminals, and rebels fall into this category. Consider Robin Hood. An entire group can occasionally be a hero, such as in the movie The Breakfast Club. Together, they all grow and learn, and none have a “starring” role. Think Marvel’s Avengers. especially common in westerns. Men living on their own but are forced back to society to complete a mission. heroes usually change the most of all characters, a catalyst hero doesn’t. Instead, he/she causes change in others. Captain Jack Sparrow are catalyst heroes.

MENTOR Mentors teach, coach, and give gifts, such as a special “talisman, ” to the hero. Some heroes, such as superheroes or heroes in westerns, don’t have a human mentor. They have an inner A hero may have more than one mentor—a code of honor, a belief mentor during a story. system, or moral set of rules that they follow. Mentors don’t have to be fully “good people. ” Mentors, like heroes, can have faults and their own agendas. EXAMPLES: Usually mentors appear at the beginning of a story, but they can reappear at any time. Harry Potter: Dumbledore Star Wars: Yoda

SHADOW The shadow is the nemesis and the ultimate enemy of the hero. The darkest fears of the hero are often represented by the main antagonist or villain. All the lessons the hero learns in a story builds up to fighting the shadow. The hero must overcome his/her greatest fault to beat the shadow. The shadow serves as a worthy opponent for the hero, bringing out the best in her and usually demanding the ultimate in self-sacrifice (the hero’s destiny).

SHAPESHIFTER The shape shifter adds dramatic tension to the story and provides the hero with a puzzle to solve. They often seem one thing and in fact be another. They could seem to be working with the hero, only to actually be working against them, or the reverse could be true. They bring doubt and suspense to the story and test the hero’s abilities to discern her path. Yoda in Star Wars is a bit of a shape shifter, initially masking his ancient wisdom with a foolish childlike appearance when Luke first encounters him. EXAMPLE: Star Wars Yoda Frozen Hans

TRICKSTER The trickster is often a jester or fool, who not only serves as comic relief but as commentator. Tricksters are usually witty and clever, even when ridiculous. Most comedians are successful because they talk about current cultural situations/issues in a humorous way, often in the form of entertaining sarcasm. EXAMPLE: Olaf

THRESHOLD GUARDIAN Threshold guardians are obstacles that the hero must overcome. They are not the key villains. They are smaller villains, minor characters, who stand in the hero’s way. The threshold guardian can be a “friend” who doesn’t believe in the hero or her quest. Ultimately, the role of the threshold guardian is to test the hero’s resolve in her quest. EXAMPLE: Harry Potter Malfoy &Snape

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